Anti-Bullying Awareness Month

In honor of anti-bullying awareness month Dragon Fire Fitness will be offering 1 free month of Self Defense Classes! Also, we are committed to helping our community gain a deeper understanding of everyday bullying and how to properly respond.

What Is a Bully?

Webster defines a bully as: 1. a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker; or 2. uses superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

Many people believe that a bully can only be found on a playground or school house. This is so far from the truth it isn’t even funny. Everyday there are bullies trying to gain power over another individual. For example: robbers, road rage, violent drunks, domestic violence, and workplace bullies to name a few. These are our everyday bullies who claim countless victims every year.

How to Respond to a Bully

This is probably the most common question in our self-defense class. How do I respond to my bully? To be perfectly honest there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each bully uses their strength or power in different ways. That being said here are a few things to always keep in mind when responding to a bully.

Ø The Art of Non Conflict. This is probably the best way to respond. The art of non-conflict is standing up with a neutral tone of voice and saying no or stop. It is important to keep in in mind that in this stage your primary goal is to avoid any aggression, violence or conflict yet standing up and speaking up “That is wrong and you should not do that”.

Ø Walk Away. This goes hand in hand with the art of non-conflict. Walking away may be seen as cowardice or weak but I assure you it takes a lot more to walk away from a conflict than to stay and fight (verbally or physically).

Ø Keep Cool. It is extremely important to keep calm both mentally, physically, and verbally. If you allow yourself to give in to the bully, you are no better than the bully him/her self. Getting angry or violent is really what the bully wants so why give in to them.

Ø Situational Awareness. If we lived in a perfect world the above would be enough to stop someone being a bully. But we don’t. Situational Awareness if self-explanatory, be aware of the situation you are in. You can never know how a bully will respond to you speaking out. You also have no idea if the bully will become violent or has accomplices nearby. So if you are constantly aware of your situation you are much less likely to occur a bad surprise.

Ø Self Defense! In today’s society it is almost mandatory to have the ability to defends one’s self. When dealing with a bully it is important that if all the above fail, that you at least have the ability to defend your-self. Although, we never encourage violence and try to avoid it at all costs sometimes you have to keep yourself safe against an aggressor.

SELF DEFENSE

Self-defense is really an umbrella term that does not relate to any specific martial art. Many martial arts started off as a need for survival and a use of techniques that work and work well. Over time these arts have developed in to “self-defense schools” so that the general public may learn and become more sufficient in a dangerous situation.

We will talk more about the similarities of martial arts and self-defense in future articles. Now, the definition of self-defense is the defense of one’s person or interests, especially through the use of physical force, which is permitted in certain cases as an answer to a charge of violent crime. Obviously we don’t want it to ever get to that point but again we do not live in a perfect (or safe world). But if it does, our program at Dragon Fire Fitness will give you a huge advantage (mentally & physically) over your bully.

The Next Step

Now that you have a better understanding of what a bully is and how to respond, what’s next? Come over to Dragon Fire Fitness and try a month of self-defense classes for FREE! Come experience what true self-defense is and learn to protect yourself and your family.

Our goal is not only your ability to defend yourself. But we also want to make you a leader in the community and stand up to the bullies of society and protect others who cannot protect themselves. Our goal is a community who helps one another instead of turning the other cheek when speaking up costs nothing but some time and courage.

Finding Brevard’s Best Self Defense Instructor

Our trainer is certified by ACE (the American Council on Exercise) and has over 9 years’ experience in teaching self-defense. He can personally train you, your family and your friends in Brevard County, Florida. Dragon Fire Fitness is located off of Malabar Road just east of I-95. Our facility includes a boot camp, an extreme obstacle course, meditation/flexibility training, and self-defense instruction. Call us at (321) 802-6293 right now and let’s get to work on your goals.

Upcoming Fitness Events

Contact Us

About Us

Dragon Fire Fitness is Malabar Florida's premier fitness course. We offer a full spectrum obstacle course to challenge your fitness level and daily fitness classes to push you to you to new fitness levels. Our qualified personal trainers are on standby for anyone who's ready to step it up a notch with a personalized fitness program.